Strange But True

Strange But True

What did Victoria do first
after her coronation in 1837? Have a parliamentary meeting? Have tea with all the royal dignitaries? No – she gave her dog, Dash, a bath.
Now that’s what we call a cake!
Victoria and Albert’s wedding cake was a colossal 9 feet wide and weighed 300 pounds.
Victorian ladies’ knickers had no middle
Once they got all those big dresses on, they couldn’t reach their knickers to pull them down, so they could stand over a potty to wee with these on instead.
Would you wee in your dining room?
Victorian gentlemen did! Some dining rooms (like ours) had a special cupboard to house a chamber pot so all the gentlemen could go for a wee without leaving the table (once the ladies had left the room, of course!).
The last ducking stool to be used in England
(in 1809) can still be seen not far from us in the Priory Church, Leominster, Herefordshire. It’s huge.
Lazy Keufs
These were special dog tongs used for removing badly behaved dogs from church during services. There is still a pair in St Beuno’s Church, Clynnog Fawr, North Wales

Handy Hints

Handy Hints

Keeping your kettle clean
To prevent teakettles coating with lime – put the shell of an oyster in the teakettle and the lime will adhere to it, instead of coating the sides. 1852
As with all our historical handy hints, this is a real tip from a Victorian book. We cannot say that it’ll work and it’s up to you if you want to try!
To take mildew out of linen
Take soap and rub it well, then scrape on some fine chalk, rub that also into the linen, lay it on the grass, as it dries, wet it a little, it will come out at twice doing. 1852
As with all our historical handy hints, this is a real tip from a Victorian book. We cannot say that it’ll work and it’s up to you if you want to try!
Antidote against mice
Gather wild mint, put it where you wish to keep them out, and they will not trouble you. 1852

As with all our historical handy hints, this is a real tip from a Victorian book. We cannot say that it’ll work and it’s up to you if you want to try!
To remove grease from books
Lay upon the spoon a little magnesium or powdered chalk, and under it the same; set on it a warm flat iron, and as soon as the grease is melted, it will be all absorbed, and leave the paper clean. 1852

As with all our historical handy hints, this is a real tip from a Victorian book. We cannot say that it’ll work and it’s up to you if you want to try!
An insect trap
Scoop out the inside of a turnip, scallop the edges, and place it downward in the earth. The insects will pass into it as a place of retreat through the holes, and the cucumbers, squashes, melons etc., may soon be clear of them. 1852

As with all our historical handy hints, this is a real tip from a Victorian book. We cannot say that it’ll work and it’s up to you if you want to try!
To clean gilt buckles, chains &c.
Dip a soft brush in water, rub a little soap on it, and brush the article for a minute or two, then wash it clean, wipe it, and place it near the fire till dry, then brush it with burnt bread finely powdered. 1823

As with all our historical handy hints, this is a real tip from a Victorian book. We cannot say that it’ll work and it’s up to you if you want to try!

Opening Times

Browse our 2025 leaflet here

Opening times

1st April – 30th June 10.30am – 4.30pm Wed – Sat

1st July – 30th Sept 10.30am – 5pm Tues – Sun

1st Oct – 2nd Nov 10.30am – 4.30pm Wed – Sat

(Last admission 30 minutes before closing)

Also open Bank Holidays, extended hours in school holidays and special days. See below to check these out…

Additional open days 2025:

April: Sun 13th, Tues 15th, Sun 20th, Mon 21st, Tues 22nd, Sun 27th

May: Sun 4th, Mon 5th, Sun 25th, Mon 26th, Tues 27th

June: Sun 1st

July:

August: Mon 25th

September:

October: Sun 26th, Tues 28th

November: Sun 2nd

December: TBC

Closed 3rd Nov 2025 – Spring 2025

Out of season and evening group bookings available.

09/02/2025 FOR VISITORS WITH MOBILITY ACCESS NEEDS:
We are very sorry, but our lift in the garden that brings visitors to the ground floor is currently out of order. We’re trying to solve this as swiftly as possible, but it may take a little time. Please call us before setting out if you may need to use it.

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